Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran said audiences should decide how they receive films based on darker social themes relating to rape cases. In an exclusive interview with India Today, the actor called it a "crime" to assume viewers are not ready for realistic cinema on the subject.
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta questioned movie posters featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Vicky Kaushal smoking. His remarks revived debate over anti-smoking disclaimers amid tightened substance-use rules for cinema.
Malayalam actor-comedian Harisree Yousuf defended veteran actor Mammootty after a social media user objected to a tilak applied during the actor's National Awards visit to Gujarat. Addressing the backlash, Yousuf urged critics to stop viewing traditional hospitality through a narrow religious lens.
In an exclusive conversation on India Today, filmmaker Meghna Gulzar and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran discussed their film Dhaira and its exploration of uncomfortable societal questions surrounding crimes against women, judicial delays, and extrajudicial encounter killings. Reflecting on public outrage and the growing demand for instant justice, Meghna Gulzar noted, "Hesitating to talk about it is not going to make it go away." Addressing the dilemma between the rule of law and vigilante justice, she clarified that her intent was not to advocate encounter culture, stating, "I don't believe that we need to become a banana republic and that our police should become trigger-happy." Prithviraj Sukumaran explained his character Raman as an argument reflecting societal frustration with an overburdened judicial system facing millions of pending cases. Gulzar highlighted how the narrative confronts moral gray zones, juvenile justice laws post-Nirbhaya, and the complex reality of justice delivery in India today.
Actor Kashmera Shah has stepped in to defend Ssunita Ahuja following a social media post containing severe accusations by Rani Swarnkar. Reaffirming her solidarity, the actor mentioned that she will firmly stand by her family.
On Daughter's Day, Kriti Sanon used Instagram to spotlight the daily safety fears women face in public spaces. The actor's post came amid outrage over the Jamui assault case and renewed debate over patriarchy, moral policing and public priorities.
Aishwarya Rai made a rare appearance at Mumbai airport on Saturday, drawing attention with her new look. The sighting triggered social media speculation about a possible Paris Fashion Week visit, though she has not confirmed it.
Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah's The Vvaan - Force of the Forest saw a rise in box office occupancy on Day 2, with stronger footfall in night shows. The film gained momentum across key cities amid competition from Nani's The Paradise and Hanuman Ansh.
Nani's The Paradise crossed Rs 100 crore worldwide by Day 3 after a strong opening. The film's run remains driven by the Telugu market as Saturday collections held steady.
Hanuman Ansh posted another weekend jump on Day 51 and stayed firm despite fresh releases. The sustained turnout pushed its worldwide gross to Rs 389.85 crore and underscored its long theatrical run.
A promotional poster for Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha has sparked widespread online discourse after viewers spotted Sugriv wearing spectacles, prompting jokes about the Treta Yuga and fresh scrutiny over the film's production values.
Aishwarya Rai made a rare appearance at Mumbai airport on Saturday, drawing attention with her new look. The sighting triggered social media speculation about a possible Paris Fashion Week visit, though she has not confirmed it.
Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah's The Vvaan - Force of the Forest saw a rise in box office occupancy on Day 2, with stronger footfall in night shows. The film gained momentum across key cities amid competition from Nani's The Paradise and Hanuman Ansh.
Nani's The Paradise crossed Rs 100 crore worldwide by Day 3 after a strong opening. The film's run remains driven by the Telugu market as Saturday collections held steady.
Hanuman Ansh posted another weekend jump on Day 51 and stayed firm despite fresh releases. The sustained turnout pushed its worldwide gross to Rs 389.85 crore and underscored its long theatrical run.
A promotional poster for Mahakavya Shri Ramayan Katha has sparked widespread online discourse after viewers spotted Sugriv wearing spectacles, prompting jokes about the Treta Yuga and fresh scrutiny over the film's production values.
Actors Vicky Kaushal and Alia Bhatt turned showstoppers for Manish Malhotra's Mijwan Fashion Show in Mumbai, presenting a preview of their on-screen pairing in Love & War. The runway appearance coincided with the release of new character posters for the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film.
Actor Parineeti Chopra has recalled sobbing for three hours the first time she left her baby to return to work. In an exclusive interview with India Today, she said motherhood has deepened her understanding of guilt, social pressure and the emotions in Shaque: Trust No One.
Media representatives staged a walkout at actor Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana event in Mumbai after a four-hour delay caused by guest MrBeast missing a private flight.
Veteran actor Raza Murad expressed disappointment over film industry stars failing to attend the funeral of late actor Mushtaq Khan. Highlighting that "no big face" came to offer a final salute, Murad added that fame and wealth are fleeting.
Actor Kriti Sanon said the debate around misogyny should not be framed as men versus women. Her remarks came as online outrage grew after the Jamui incident involving minors.
Rani Swarnkar has hit back at 'homebreaker' claims amid rumours linking her to Govinda and the Ssunita Ahuja marriage row. The Roopa actor said nobody can be a 'homebreaker' in an already broken house and asked people to stop using her name.
Marvel's Endgame Encore adds four scenes linking Steve Rogers, Hulk, the TVA and Doctor Doom to Avengers: Doomsday. The footage ties Endgame's ending to the multiverse crisis while leaving key questions about Doom and Steve's timeline open.
Actor Vicky Kaushal's first look from Love & War is out. The poster showcases his intense and stylish avatar in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film. Love & War also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.
Abhijeet Sawant recalled how his career differed from Arijit Singh's after their 2005 reality TV journeys. The singer also reflected on Arijit's years away from the limelight and his breakthrough with Tum Hi Ho.
In this India Today Special conversation, filmmaker Meghna Gulzar and actor Prithviraj Sukumaran discuss their film Daayra, addressing thematic complexities surrounding sexual assault cases, extrajudicial encounter killings, and growing public disillusionment with the criminal justice system. The discussion explores how systemic bottlenecks and an overburdened judiciary with millions of pending cases lead to public frustration, often driving societal support for immediate retribution and police encounters over constitutional due process. Reflecting on landmark events such as the 2012 Nirbhaya case and the 2019 Hyderabad police encounter, the creators dissect the moral conflicts faced by law enforcement and citizens alike. Prithviraj Sukumaran elaborates on his role as DCP Raman, explaining how the narrative juxtaposes violent crimes against women with retaliatory police actions to prompt societal dialogue without validating vigilantism or offering simplistic moral conclusions. Additionally, Meghna Gulzar highlights the civic function of cinema in confronting uncomfortable social realities rather than relying on standard commercial tropes. The panel also covers casting decisions, the shifting dynamics between theatrical exhibition and digital streaming platforms, and the increasing convergence between regional and mainstream Indian film industries.
Zeenat Aman reacted to Alia Bhatt's cabaret-themed first look from Love & War with an approving message. The exchange drew notice as Alia shared that the veteran actor was discussed countless times on set.
Hanuman Ansh continued its theatrical run in Week 7 as Nani's The Paradise and Sidharth Malhotra's The Vvaan added fresh competition. Written and directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, the spiritual drama follows Lakshmi Narayan's journey to becoming Neem Karoli Baba.
Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia's Vvaan opened to a modest response on Friday, with footfalls improving through the day. The late surge, led by Mumbai, placed the film among Malhotra's stronger openers despite mixed reviews.
Nani's The Paradise is closing in on Rs 100 crore worldwide after two days at the box office. The strong start, driven by the Telugu states and overseas sales, marks the biggest opening of his career.
Actor Mushtaq Khan was laid to rest in Mumbai as members of the film fraternity paid their last respects. His son, Mohsin Khan, said the actor faced aggressive cancer with a smile and asked people to celebrate his work and legacy.
